Automotive

Did you know that the automotive industry is expected to be #1 in regards to the most job openings in Georgia? (For the Postsecondary Vocational Training category). The Automotive Fundamentals program at MGTC is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified in all eight automotive areas. The course of study includes engine repair, automatic transmission repair, manual drive train and axle, suspension and steering, hydraulic brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.

Training in the automotive program goes beyond the classroom. Students put their skills to work in MGTC’s state-of-the-art training facility. MGTC also offers an automotive internship program and ASE certification testing. Day, evening, and some online courses are available!

Job Outlook:

According to the Department of Labor, a projected 5,790 new automotive job openings will be available through 2014! Graduates of the Automotive Technology program are qualified for positions in automotive dealerships, auto care facilities, lube shops, and transmission facilities. Entry level salaries in the Middle Georgia area range from $21,000 - $24,000.

Diploma Programs

Automotive Fundamentals

The Automotive Fundamentals diploma program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, occupational, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of Automotive Fundamentals theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Automotive Fundamentals diploma. Graduates who are current practitioners will benefit through enhancement of career potential. Entry-level persons will be prepared to pursue diverse opportunities in the automotive field.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
Essential General Core Courses 13
ENG 101 English 5
MAT 101 General Mathematics 5
PSY 100 Interpersonal Relationships and Professional Development 3
Essential Fundamental Technical Courses 29
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive Technology 3
AUT 122 Electrical and Electronic Systems 6
AUT 124 Battery Starting and Charging Systems 4
AUT 126 Engine Principles of Operation and Repair 6
AUT 128 Fuel, Ignition, and Emission Systems 7
SCT 100 Introduction to Microcomputers 3
Essential Specific Technical Courses 35
AUT 130 Automotive Brake Systems 4
AUT 132 Suspension and Steering Systems 4
AUT 134 Drivelines 4
AUT 140 Electronic Engine Control Systems 7
AUT 142 Climate Control Systems 6
AUT 144 Introduction to Automotive Transmissions 4
AUT 220 Automotive Technology Internship 6
or
XXX *** Electives 6
Total Hours required for Graduation 77
Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Automotive Technology diploma that qualifies them as automotive technicians.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
Essential General Core Courses 13
ENG 101 English 5
MAT 101 General Mathematics 5
PSY 100 Interpersonal Relationships and Professional Development 3
Essential Fundamental Technical Courses 62
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive Technology 3
AUT 122 Electrical and Electronic Systems 6
AUT 124 Battery Starting and Charging Systems 4
AUT 126 Engine Principles of Operation and Repair 6
AUT 128 Fuel, Ignition, and Emission Systems 7
AUT 130 Automotive Brake Systems 4
AUT 132 Suspension and Steering Systems 4
AUT 134 Drivelines 4
AUT 138 Manual Transmission/Transaxle 4
AUT 140 Electronic Engine Control Systems 7
AUT 142 Climate Control Systems 6
AUT 144 Introduction to Automotive Transmissions 4
SCT 100 Introduction to Microcomputers 3
Essential Specific Technical Courses 28
AUT 210 Automatic Transmission Repair 7
AUT 212 Advanced Electronic Transmission Diagnosis 3
AUT 214 Advanced Electronic Controlled Brak System Diagnosis 3
AUT 216 Advanced Electronic Controlled Suspension and Steering Systems 4
AUT 218 Advanced Electronic Engine Control Systems 4
AUT 220 Automotive Technology Internship 6
or
XXX *** Electives 6
Total Hours required for Graduation 103

Technical Certificates of Credit

Automotive Brake Technician

The Automotive Brake Technician Program provides educational opportunities to individuals which will enable them to obtains the knowledge, skill, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the field of Automotive Technology. This Technical Certificate of Credit is intended to prepare automotive students with entry-level skills in the brake repair of the automobile and provide an entry point into the automotive field.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive 3
AUT 122 Electrical/Electronics 6
AUT 130 Automotive Brake Systems 4
AUT 214 Advanced Electronic Controlled Brake System Diagnosis 4
Credits Required for Graduation 18
Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning Technician

The Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Technician certificate provides students with skills for entering the automotive industry as entry-level heating and air conditioning technicians. This program includes theory, diagnosis, servicing, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive 3
AUT 122 Electrical/Electronic 6
AUT 142 Climate Control Systems 6
Total Hours required for Graduation 15
Automotive Electrical/Electronics Systems Technician

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair basic electrical/electronic systems as an entry-level automotive technician. Topics include automotive batteries, starting systems, charging systems, instrumentation, lighting, and accessories.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive 3
AUT 122 Electrical/Electronics 6
AUT 124 Battery Starting and Charging Systems 4
XXX xxx Elective 2
Credits Required for Graduation 15
Automotive Engine Performance Technician

This program introduces students to the knowledge and skills they will need as entry-level engine performance technicians. Topics covered include theory, diagnosis, service, and repair of fuel systems, ignition systems, emission systems, and electronic engine controls.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
AUT 128 Ignition, Fuel and Emissions 7
AUT 140 Engine Computers 7
AUT 218 Advanced Electronic Engine Control Systems 4
Total Hours required for Graduation 18
Automotive Steering and Suspension Technician

The Automotive Suspension and Steering Technician certificate program provides students with the skills needed to enter the automotive industry as suspension and steering entry-level technicians. The program presents vehicle chassis types; chassis components; steering and suspension systems; steering and suspension operation, design, service, repair, alignment, and problem solving.

Course # Course Title Credit Hours
AUT 120 Introduction to Automotive 3
AUT 122 Electrical/Electronic 6
AUT 132 Suspension and Steering Systems  4
AUT 216 Advanced Electronic Controlled Suspension 4
Total Hours required for Graduation 17

Need more Information?

Click on one of the programs listed to the left to get more information about that program, including specific classes required.

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Can't Decide?

At MGTC's CARE Center we can help you make the right decision for you and your career. Give us a call for more information at 478-988-6800 extension 5020.

Degree Types

At MGTC we offer three different levels of credit programs:

Associate Degree
Middle Georgia Technical College offers associate level degrees. They usually take between 1.5 and 2 years to complete. AAS programs include English and Math courses that can transfer to other four year institutions in the state.
Diploma
Middle Georgia Technical College's Diploma Level programs usually take between 1 and 1.5 years to complete and include basic courses, as well as specific technical or occupational courses to prepare students for the workforce.
Certificate
Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs) usually take about 2 quarters (half a year) to complete and generally focus on very specialized knowledge. These programs teach students specific skills that they can apply in the workforce.